al channel, he might reap some benefit.

Some days after this conversation, as they were all three seated at
table, a corporal entered, and saluting the commandant, informed him
that a Dutch sailor had arrived at fort, and wished to know whether he
should be admitted. Both Philip and Krantz turned pale at this
communication--they had a presentiment of evil but they said nothing.
The sailor was ordered in, and in a few minutes, who should make his
appearance but their tormentor, the one-eyed Schriften. On perceiving
Philip and Krantz seated at the table, he immediately exclaimed, "Oh!
Captain Philip Vanderdecken, and my good friend Mynheer Krantz, first
mate of the good ship Utrecht, I am glad to meet you again."

"Captain Philip Vanderdecken!" roared the commandant, as he sprung from
his chair.

"Yes, that is my captain, Mynheer Philip Vanderdecken and that is my
first mate, Mynheer Krantz; both of the good ship Utrecht: we were
wrecked together, were we not. Mynheer? He! he!"

"Sangue de--Vanderdecken! the husband! Corpo del diavolo--is it
possible!" cried the commandant, panting for breath, as he seized his
long sword with both hands and clenched it with fury.--"What, then, I
have been deceived, cajoled, laughed at!" Then, after a pause--the
veins of his forehead distending so as almost to burst--he continued,
with a suppressed voice, "Most noble sir, I thank you; but now it is my
turn.--What, ho! there! Corporal--men, here, instantly--quick!"

Philip and Krantz felt convinced that all denial was useless. Philip
folded his arms and made no reply. Krantz merely observed, "A little
reflection will prove to you, sir, that this indignation is not
warranted."

"Not warranted!" rejoined the commandant with a sneer, "you have
deceived me; but you are caught in your own trap. I have the paper
signed, which I shall not fail to make use of. _You_ are dead, you
know, Captain; I have your own hand to it, and your wife will be glad to
believe it."

"She has deceived you, commandant, to get out of your power, nothing
more," said Vanderdecken. "She would spurn a contemptible withered
wretch like yourself, were she as free as the wind."

"Go on, go on; it will be my turn soon. Corporal, throw these two men
into the dungeon: a sentry at the door till further orders. Away with
them! Most noble sir, perhaps your influential friends in Holland and
Spain will enable you to get out again."

Philip and Krantz were